Pauline Quirke’s Son Charlie and Team Complete the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK
Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie and his team were among around 400 runners who ran the London Marathon this year for dementia research charity Alzheimer’s Research UK. Overall, the runners have raised around £1million for research to help revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented.
Charlie and his family were inspired to support Alzheimer’s Research UK after announcing in January 2025 that Birds of a Feather actress Pauline is living with dementia and had stepped back from her career.
Heartbroken by the realisation that there is currently no cure for dementia, the family pledged their support for research and became Ambassadors of the charity.
Running the London Marathon was Charlie’s second major fundraising challenge following his epic Trek For A Cure in December. He walked 140km across five counties over five days visiting places of special meaning for Pauline and the family. The trek raised over £315,000.
Charlie said: “It was an incredible experience to run the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“It was far harder than I ever imagined it would be. But the love and support from everyone on the day and before the race was what got me over the line.
“The outpouring of love there has been for my mum from when we announced her diagnosis was something I thought about during the race to keep me going.
“Having Chloe and my close friends with me in the race was so important. Everyone was inspired by my mum to support dementia research and help drive progress towards a cure.
“I know my mum was watching the race on TV with Dad and will be so proud of what we have achieved.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK Chief Executive Hilary Evans-Newton also ran the marathon.
She said: “I am incredibly grateful to Charlie and his brilliant team of runners for raising vital funds to help fuel the research that is driving progress towards a cure for dementia.
“Running alongside around 400 runners today representing Alzheimer’s Research UK and feeling the shared determination, has been truly energising.
“Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and over half of us know someone affected by it. But with support like this on our side, we will get to a cure – and get there faster.”
Hilary was joined in the race by Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador Professor Selina Wray. Selina, who is Professor of Molecular Neuroscience at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, completed the London Marathon for the fourth time.
Another Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador in the race was the incredible Sue Strachan.
Sue, who is living with vascular dementia, was running the race for a second time after first completing it in 2018.
Having turned 70 this year, Sue achieved her target of taking her overall fundraising total for Alzheimer’s Research UK past £70,000.
